SIMS will make a major contribution to marine science.

Much of its work will have world-wide applicability.

Many factors affect distribution and abundance of marine species, but being ectotherms, temperature is among the most important.  The research conducted by Dr. Will Figueira of the University of Sydney and his students will concentrate on two temperate damselfish species P.Microlepis and P.Unifasciata, whose ecology is very similar and geographical ranges partly overlap.

Global climate change is warming the waters of the South Eastern Australian coast at among the highest rates of anywhere on the planet.  Understanding the role of temperature in mediating competitive outcomes among marine biota will allow us to better understand and predict range shifts that may occur with further warming.